When the Gildemeister home was built in 1900, southwest of the intersection of Vine and Market Streets, excavations exposed various blacksmith tools and articles. The site probably was that of the Army blacksmith shop in 1846, or the later Overland Stage Coach Co. blacksmith shop (operated by Christopher Strieby) destroyed by fire in the 1850s.
Council Grove Republican
P.O. Box 237,
302 W. Main,
Council Grove, KS 66846
(620) 767-5123